What Changes When You Become a Christian?

Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Scrip. Intro:

Please keep your Bible open or your bulletin to Ephesians chapter 2. Ephesians is a wonderful letter and I hope you are coming alive as we read it together. Our passage today will speak to this whole question of what happens when you become a Christian.

 

Let’s pray for God’s help as we come to His word this morning. Yes Father, please grant us grace to see wonderful things from your word today. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

 

Intro:

God’s grace permeates the Bible. It’s everywhere. And it’s a key theme here in Ephesians. Recall how the letter started—“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” In the first section the apostle Paul is praising God for his glorious grace v. 6. He goes on to say that our redemption and forgiveness is according to the riches of his grace. Grace is lavished upon us in all wisdom.

 

Today’s passage is also chalk full of grace. Starting in v. 4—look at these expression. “Great love.” “Rich in mercy.” “Grace you have been saved.” “Incomparable riches of grace.” “Kindness.”

 

It’s possible to hear this but not understand it. It’s possible to agree with it but not truly get it. And honestly, who does right? It’s a gift that just keeps giving and giving.

 

These verses are common to us but do they still move us? As if it’s no big deal. It’s like we expect God to be this way. This is one of those common misconceptions of grace.

 

Some see it as grace makes up what we lack. According to this view we do our best and if it doesn’t measure up God does the rest with grace. God fills in the spots we might have accidently missed. But this isn’t a biblical idea of grace.

 

Our passage helps us understand the Biblical meaning of grace in two ways. First who are we by nature, and second, what do we become by grace.

 

This whole passage is about the dynamic of biblical change. Grace to save us and grace to change us. You see this when you compare v. 1 with v. 10. There is a major course correction here. In v. 1 we’re dead and following the way of the world. This was the direction we were going. And then look at v. 10. Now we are doing God’s good works.

 

In the ESV it reads like this: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world.” And then in v. 10 it: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” So our question is this: how did this major transformation happen?

 

But in order for us to truly understand this tectonic shift we need for first realize who we were.

 

Let me read vv. 1-3 as if it’s letter written to you. Because it is. Let’s say it’s a response to an application. Your application for residency. That touchy subject. You know the routine to apply for residency here in Morocco.  It’s often a nightmare. All the papers you have to fill out. The background check with the police. The stamps you have to buy. Translate the paper work. The photocopies. And it’s never enough. You think you got it all together and they send you away for other documents. Things you didn’t even bring with you to Morocco, perhaps!

 

Well let’s say you applied to be a resident in God’s heavenly country, a better country indeed. Let’s read vv. 1-3 as a response to our application.

—–

Dear Patrick (or insert your name):

 

As for your application to enter our country, all we can say is DENIED. NO CHANCE. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY AGAIN. We discovered in all our research that you have major problems. First, you are dead. Spiritually dead. You are unable to love God, our King. And yet you are walking. You are a living dead person. That means you’re a zombie. Sorry. We do not let zombies live in our country.

 

To be dead in transgression means that the only thing you know how to do it is sin. You are in bondage to sin.

 

The path you follow is the way of the world. That is certainly not acceptable. The way of the world is destructive. It’s selfish. It takes advantage of others. What would be your goal in coming to our country? You’ll just come here to rape the land. You’ll fill your pockets with the gold of our city. Sorry but your application is denied.

 

We also discovered not only are you dead in sin and walking in the world but we also discovered that you are working for our country’s arch enemy. Satan himself. You’re following the prince of this world, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

 

Sir, that makes you a terrorist! How could we ever let you in our country?  You are an active member of a terrorist cell operation trying to dethrone our gracious and loving Ruler.

 

Therefore, since you are dead in sin, following the course of this world, under the authority of the prince of demons, and only seek to gratify the cravings of your flesh, we deny your application.

 

And keep in mind sir. You have incited the wrath of our heavenly King. If you even so take one step in our country you are a dead man. Assigned to a thousand deaths for your rebellion.

 

(and the letter signs off this way) May God have mercy on your soul

—

 

It’s possible that as you read that scathing report you’re shocked. You might even say to yourself, “am I really that bad.” Aren’t other people worse than I am? Is this letter even written to me?

 

It’s true. You’re not reading someone else’s mail! You can’t say to your roommate, “oh Sam, this letter must be for you!” Don’t live in denial. It has your name on it. The evidence is clear. This is who we are by nature.

 

These forces are too great for us—dead in sin, the ways of the world, Satan’s rule, the cravings of the flesh. And probably the scarest of all is that we are under the condemnation of God for our sin. We’ve been active in sin.

 

It’s true that many non-Christians are quite alive and well. They have sharp minds and healthy bodies. But this deadness here is about the soul. You can have a healthy body and good intelligence and yet your soul can have no life in it.

The author of Ephesians even includes himself in this list—in vv. 1-2 he says it boldly, “And as for you, you are dead.” But soon after he includes himself. In v. 3 “All of us also lived among them at one time.”

 

Sin is a universal problem. And it’s severe. It’s extreme. And don’t even realize how bad we are until we hear what God says about us.

 

It’s only with this background do we truly begin to understand God’s grace.

Remember how the letter signed off—“may God have mercy on your soul.” And that is exactly what has happened. Look at v. 4 – But God. Why did God do this? His mercy. His love, Grace (3 xs), especially v. 7 “incomparable grace.” Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. God intervened. He came into history, our story, and showed amazing grace.

 

-We were helpless. Only mercy can reach the helpless.

-We were under God’s wrath. His just anger against sin. Yet his love triumphed over that for us in Christ.

-We were dead in sin, undeserving. Only grace can change that.

 

This salvation God brings us in Christ is not only forgiveness of sin, though that is present. Notice that it’s so much more. It’s able to break all the bondages that held us.

 

This is why one author described grace as “God’s thermonuclear goodness.” His goodness is an all-consuming intensity, like the nuclear furnace of the sun. In His presence we deserve to be incinerated but Christ’s grace is greater than all our sin. God rescues believers.

 

You see this change with the tense of the verbs—“you were dead”, “you once walked,” “we all once lived.” He is saying that if you’re a Christian there has been some significant changes in your life. Cataclysmic changes.

 

Grace has the power to turn us upside down. The self-righteous become grateful. The destructive become constructive. Grace pursues us. IT’s grace after all that even shows you your sin and misery.

 

IL: Alicia and I met a dear pastor who explained ministry to us this way. He said that left to ourselves we have two problems. We either feel we are too good to need grace or too bad to receive it.

 

You either are downplaying the sin in your life or you’re downplaying the love and grace of God. And this passage is good medicine for us.

 

What have we become by God’s grace. Grace linked us with Christ.

 

1. We became alive.
2. We were raised up.
3. We were seated with him.

 

We are lined with the historical Christ. Jesus who rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now seated at the Father’s right hand. By grace through faith we are now united with him. Sealed by the Spirit.

 

To free us from of all our enemies—sin, death, the world, Satan, fleshly cravings, and the wrath of God. This is the extent to which God has saved us. Look at each one of these

 

1. The first change in v. 5. God gave you life. We were dead but God made us alive with Christ.

 

By nature you were dead towards God. Yet life came to you. It did not come from you but it came to you. This new life is what the gospel of John calls the new birth. It didn’t come as something you did but it was a gift of his grace and mercy.

 

But I guess that is obvious. You were dead. So how could you do anything to receive it? You were not looking for God. He came looking for you. When you were uninterested he was interested in you. When you were unloving he loved you.

 

This new life brings new desires. New affections.

 

I enjoy hearing people share their testimony of how they came to Christ. We often hear the story like this. “I become dissatisfied with my life. I knew I wasn’t pleasing to God. I wanted a new life. This is what God did for me. He gave me a new life.”

 

One of the songs by Sovereign Grace music says it so well: “I was blinded by my sin, had no ears to hear your voice. Did not know your love within, had not taste for heaven’s joys. Then your Spirit gave me life, opened up your Word to me. Through the gospel of Your Son gave me endless hope and peace.”

 

Imagine hearing the testimony of Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead. How would you describe yourself if you were him? Yes, Lazarus. Tell us your story. Ok. I died. I was dead about 4 days. When Jesus came. He is the who said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Well he called me to come out and I woke up. Now I’m alive. So that’s my story. I was dead and now I’m alive.

 

If you’re a Christian, that is your testimony as well. God gave you life and…

2. Second, another change that occurs is that God raised you up. In v. 6 Grace overcomes deadness. GOD raised us up with Christ.

 

To be raised up is like being made alive but it also indicates that God gives us power. This is the resurrection power. Christ was exalted over sin and death.

 

This power gives us a new ability to live for Christ. To say no to sin. To be active in following the Lord’s word. Look at last week’s verse, 1:19.

 

1:19 “And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead.”

 

Friends, the same power is at work in us. A power that gives us new ambitions for God’s glory. A power that says no to sin.

 

This means that you have the ability to act in ways that you didn’t have before—that is to honor God with your life. To live a new life of obedience.

 

Sin left us shackled, as Wesleys’ great hymn captures:

Long my imprisoned spirit lay. Fast bound by sin and nature’s night.

 

But then God’s grace intervenes…

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke the dungeon flamed with light.

 

And this is what happened…

My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!

 

That is the resurrection power God promises us in Christ. We are no longer enslaved to sin and the course of this world. It’s God’s power by the ministry of the Holy Spirit that makes a difference in our lives. This is the power is at work in us.

 

IL: How do you counsel someone caught in a pattern of sin with this verse? The first thing I would want to know is if they even believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Are they Christians? But let’s say they are Christians. Well this verse gives them great hope. It actually teaches that the sins patterns are not stronger than the power of being raised with Christ.

 

I know temptation can feel like it’s stronger than you. And these can be complex issues so I don’t want to act simplistic. But if you are in Christ, you can cling to the promise of this verse. You have been made alive and you are raised up with Christ.

 

Scriptures says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let your be tempted beyond your ability [new ability you have] but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13)

 

This new ability we have is from being raised up with Christ and given the Holy Spirit. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” 1 John 4:4.

 

God gives us new life with Christ. God raises us up with Christ…

 

3. And a third change that has occurred is also in v. 6. God gave you heaven . V. 6, and raised us up and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

 

It’s incredible to track the progress from v. 1. Death to life to resurrection power and now seated in the heavenly places.

 

Many Christians struggle with a sense of assurance. Wondering if heaven is secure or not. But consider how far you’ve come here. Surely if you truly are a believer you will persevere to the end. Your place is secure.

 

One reason is that Jesus sat down. It means his work was accomplished. The work he accomplished through his death and resurrection. And if you’re sitting down as well that means you don’t have to work for it. You are seated. Your entrance to heaven is not dependent on your performance as a Christian.

 

In v. 7 it says that for all eternity we are going to display his glory and grace. This is why God is saving us. He wants to show us how incredibly good He is. He is over the top in gracious. So your assurance that heaven is secure is just as sure as God is gracious.

 

Here is Jesus, laying down his life for his enemies. God goes overboard in pouring out his grace and mercy to us.

 

Bask in the sunlight of this truth. Jesus has accomplished heaven for you. Your entrance to heaven is not based on your Christian performance on earth.

 

Consider how you might use this verse to encourage someone struggling with assurance.

 

What is Jesus doing in heaven right now? As the high priest he is interceding for us. And if we are right there with him he is very much in tune with us. Indeed, writes the author of Hebrews, Jesus lives to intercede for us. He is our heavenly advocate.

 

When you have faith in Christ, there is nothing more for Him to do. There is nothing more we can do. It was all accomplished for us.

 

Take counsel from these words, “we are seated with Christ.” Let those words keep you from thinking that you are trying to work your way to heaven. There is nothing more you need to do to reach heaven. It’s a gift, by his grace, and we are now able to live out of gratitude and joy.

 

All three of these motions of God giving life, raising up, and seating us all come to us with Christ. This is part of our union with Jesus. This is what happens when you become a Christian.

 

4. The fourth change is that God gave you a new work.

2:10 “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

 

We put off the old works and embrace new works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.

 

IL: We toured the Old Sale Medina this week with some friends. In the section where they have the wood-working we were looking at some amazing tables, where they inlay stone and model right in the wood and then varnish over it. The owner of the shop proudly brought out all the photos he has of his workmanship.

 

Likewise Christians are hand-crafted. A work of art. We are his workmanship. His creation. And it’s not a factory product. We are hand made by the Father. We are his. Designed after the pattern of His Son. The Spirit is active in us to bring us in this direction.

 

God has done so much for us in Christ–He gave us life with him. He raised us up with him. He seated us with him.

 

Are we savoring the wonder of grace? Does this passage draw you into deeper worship. This is my prayer. Prayer for my own life but also prayer for us as a church. 2 Thess 3:5 is a such a prayer, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Jesus Christ.”

 

Why do you think Paul began with a discussion of our sin and the extent of sin in the world? God wants us to realize several things.

 

1. The deadness of sin. Yes there is a break with the past that has already occurred but sin, the world, and Satan remain a fierce enemy. 1:2 “The spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” And this work is against the work the father has prepared for you.

 

So this is a real battle. God has us going in a new direction but there are many hindrances and obstacles on the way. What need to keep orient ourselves with who we were by nature and what we have become by grace.

 

IL:  To recall who you are by nature has the healthy effect to keep you humble. My son’s Bball coach has completely forgotten what it was like to be a kid. It’s like he forgot that he was cut once from a team. Or that he failed to make shots.

 

And then I saw the same thing in my own life. I met a young believer and was feeling frustrated with how they growing. It’s like I forgot the confusing world we live in. the temptations. The

 

As Robert Murray M’Cheyne has said, “for every look at your sin take ten looks at Jesus.”

 

Two phrases to ponder today–But God and by Grace. Where would you be if it wasn’t for God. Where we would be if His grace didn’t change us. Oh friends, let’s rejoice and be glad. Thank the Lord for his indescribable gift.